Wedding RSVP wording

RSVP cards are an easy way for your guests to reply to your wedding invitations, and also a practical way for you to keep track of your headcount. Not sure what to write on your RSVP cards? Take a look at our guide below on the main things to include on your RSVP cards and some suggestions for your RSVP wording!

Foiled RSVP cards from Laure de Sagazan
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Wording your wedding RSVP cards

If you are finding it difficult to find the right words for your RSVP cards then do not despair! The wording of your wedding RSVP cards should match the style of your wedding invitations. So whether you are hosting a relaxed barn wedding or a formal countryside affair, you can adapt your RSVP card wording accordingly. Take a look below for a list of what to include on your response cards, along with wording ideas in both formal and informal styles. 

If you still need any help with your RSVP wording then do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly customer service team, who will be more than happy to help. Our talented proofreaders will also double check all of your RSVP wording to make sure that there are no spelling errors as part of our complimentary retouching service. This means that your RSVP cards and wedding stationery truly are in safe hands!

What to include on your RSVP cards

1) Request line

  • This is the line on your RSVP cards where you formally request a reply from your guests.
  • The language you choose to use for this part of your response cards sets the tone for the rest of the text.
  • For highly traditional RSVP cards, (usually for a wedding hosted by the bride or groom’s parents), you can use a formal phrase such as “The favour of a response is requested by…”. Otherwise, keep it simple and casual with phrases such as “Kindly reply by” or “Please respond by”.

 

3) The names line

  • Nothing is worse than getting RSVP cards back without names on them so add a names line to prompt your guests to note down their names.
  • For a more traditional style, you can add a dotted line after the letter M which is designated as the first letter of the title of the first guests (i.e. Mr, Mrs, Ms or Miss).
  • Given that not everybody’s title begins with an M you may wish to opt for a more informal style by adding Name(s): before the dotted line.

 

 

 

2) RSVP deadline

  • Your RSVP deadline is the most important part of your RSVP cards.
  • Several factors will help you decide upon your RSVP deadline.
  • Base your deadline on when your wedding suppliers and venue and going to need the final headcount, giving yourself a few weeks margin to chase those who still haven’t replied.
  • You also need to give people a realistic amount of time to work out whether they are going to be able to attend from a work point of view so don’t ask for a reply the week after you have sent out your wedding invitations.

 

4) Response options

  • Including simple response options will make it easy for your guests to fill out your RSVP cards.
  • You can even add tick boxes to make your response cards truly foolproof.
  • You should include phrases such as “accepts with pleasure” or “declines with regret”, or opt for more informal response options.
  • You can also add a number attending line so that people can specify whether or not they are bringing their children.
  • Your RSVP cards are also a practical place to collect your guests’ meal choice if you are asking them to choose in advance. You can simply add a list of dishes or icons representing the dishes to your cards and then ask your guests’ to tick or initial beside their choice.

Traditional wording for your RSVP cards

If you are hosting a traditional wedding then your RSVP card wording should also be in a traditional style. Along with your wedding invitations, your RSVP cards are a glimpse at the tone of your wedding day, so traditional RSVP card wording will let your guests know to expect a classic wedding. Traditional RSVP card wording is formal and uses classical response options. If you are struggling to give your RSVP cards a more traditional feel, then take a look at our RSVP card wording examples below. 

RSVP

A favour of a response is kindly requested by the first of June

M__________________

▢ accept(s) with pleasure

▢ decline(s) with regret

__ number attending

I/We would like ___ vegetarian option(s)

 

RSVP

Your reply is kindly requested before 1st June

Name(s) :__________________

▢ joyfully accept(s)

▢ regretfully decline(s)

__ number attending

Dietary Restrictions :__________

RSVP

We kindly ask you to reply by the first of June

Name(s) :__________________

▢ wouldn't miss it for the world

▢ will be there in spirit

Dietary Restrictions :__________

Song Suggestion : ____________

 

RSVP

Your reply is kindly requested before the first of June

Name(s) :__________________

▢ graciously accepts

▢ respectfully declines

Dietary Restrictions :__________

Choice of entrée: ____________

Informal RSVP wording

If you are hosting an informal wedding party then you want your wedding invitations and RSVP cards to reflect this style. Liven up your modern response cards with informal RSVP wording to show your guests that they are in for a good time at your wedding. You can get creative with the response options and even ask your guests for a song suggestion! If you are having difficulty wording your RSVP cards then take a look below to discover our informal RSVP wording ideas to help you get started. 

RSVP

Kindly reply before 1st June

Name(s):_________________

▢ Can’t wait!

▢ Sorry, I wish I/we could be there!

 Dietary Restrictions :__________

Song Suggestion : ____________

 

RSVP

Please reply before 1st June

Name(s):___________________________

▢ is/are looking forward to dining, dancing, and celebrating

▢ has/have to miss out on the fun

 Dietary Restrictions :__________

Song Suggestion : ____________

RSVP

Let us know before 1st June if you can make it

___________________________

▢ can’t wait to hit the dance floor

▢ will be toasting from afar

Dietary Restrictions :__________

Song Suggestion : ____________

 

RSVP

Please respond before 1st June

___________________________

▢ have their bags packed

▢ will be thinking of you

Dietary Restrictions :__________

Song Suggestion : ____________